Toothache and Gum Problems

Toothaches and gum problems are common but usually can be prevented by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Keeping your Reference teeth Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, Reference gums, and the bones around your teeth Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window healthy requires regular brushing, flossing, and good nutrition. Brush your teeth twice a day with an American Dental Association (ADA) accepted fluoride toothpaste. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. For more information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, see the topic Reference Basic Dental Care.

Toothaches

Sometimes you may have tooth pain when you touch a tooth or when you eat or drink foods that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour (a sensitive tooth). Mild sensitivity can be caused by shrunken (receded) gums or a worn-down tooth. Moderate to severe sensitivity can mean a tooth has cracked, a dental Reference cavity Opens New Window is present, or a Reference filling Opens New Window has been lost. Seeing a Reference dentist Opens New Window for treatment can prevent the tooth from dying.

The most common cause of a toothache is Reference tooth decay Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, although a toothache may not be present in the early stages of decay. Other reasons for a toothache might include:

• An infection of or around the tooth (Reference abscess Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window). A red, swollen, painful bump may be found near or on the side of the sore tooth. The tooth may especially hurt when you bite down.
• A tooth that has not broken through the gum (Reference impacted tooth Opens New Window). Gums may be red, swollen, and sore. The area around this tooth can ache, throb, and be quite painful.
• Problems with or injury to the nerves in the center of the tooth (pulp), which can be caused by an injury to the face or from grinding or gnashing the teeth.

Sometimes a toothache can be caused by a another health problem, such as:

• A Reference heart attack Opens New Window, Reference cluster headache Opens New Window, or Reference sinus infection Opens New Window, which can cause referred pain into the teeth or jaw.
• Viral infections, such as Reference shingles Opens New Window.
• Diseases such as Reference diabetes Opens New Window.
• Nerve-related disease, such as Reference trigeminal neuralgia Opens New Window.
• Alcohol or drug abuse, especially methamphetamines.
• Vitamin deficiencies, such as too little vitamin B12.

Gum problems

Healthy gums are pink and firm and do not bleed easily. Occasionally your gums may bleed if you brush your teeth and gums too hard, use a hard-bristled toothbrush, or snap dental floss hard against your gums. Be gentle with your teeth—use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully to help prevent bleeding gums.

Early-stage gum disease (Reference gingivitis Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window) causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious problems with the gum tissue.

As gum disease gets worse, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where plaque can hide and cause further damage. This stage of gum disease is called periodontitis or Reference periodontal disease Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window and is caused by long-term infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth. It can progress until the bones that support the teeth are damaged. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be removed. Early treatment of gum disease is important to prevent tooth loss. As gum disease gets more severe (periodontitis), it becomes harder to treat.

Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:

• Pregnancy, blood-thinning medicines, or bleeding disorders. Each of these can cause gums to bleed easily.
• Lack of Reference vitamins Opens New Window, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical problems, such as Reference anemia Opens New Window, that interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins.
• Reference Teething Opens New Window in babies and young children. For more information, see the topic Reference Teething.
• Medicines such as Dilantin or calcium channel blockers.
• Dentures or a dental appliance that irritates the gums.
• An infection around the root of the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of a tooth.

Reference Smoking and using other tobacco products increases your risk for gum disease. Smokers have a higher chance of having gum disease throughout their mouths than nonsmokers. You may not have symptoms of bleeding or swollen gums because the normal bleeding immune response is affected by tobacco use. Chewing tobacco or using snuff may push the gums back in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is inserted. Constant irritation caused by tobacco products increases your risk of Reference oral cancer Opens New Window.

Reference Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.